Analysis of work trip timing and mode choice in the Greater Toronto Area

This paper focuses on examining and analyzing observed trends in work trip making in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Commuter trip timing and mode choice behaviour are investigated to explain the main reasons behind peak spreading observed in cordon count data from 1975 through 2004 and to better understand the relationship between modal and temporal decisions. From analysis it becomes clear that significant differences exist in the trip timing trends of individuals choosing different modes. Multinomial logit mode choice models are developed for separate occupation groups, revealing significant differences in the mode choice preferences between occupation groups. Such differences are related to the differences in occupation-specific factors, including labour rates, work hour rules, free parking availability, and the spatial distribution of work locations. Overall, the investigations of this paper indicate that a joint analysis and modelling of trip timing and mode choice has considerable merit in travel demand models.